autoX Awards 2024: Maruti Suzuki Swift Performance, Quality

2024 autoX Awards: There’s no denying the growing craze for SUVs in India, as evidenced by the recent launches from automakers – almost all new cars in the past year have been SUVs. However, a look at the sales charts shows that the hatchback remains the country’s favorite. The new Maruti Suzuki Swift is the segment leader. One reason for its enduring success is something many new cars struggle to achieve – a unique personality.

The Swift was never just a practical car, but a hatchback that was fun to drive. People love it because of its characteristics, because it brings a smile and feels the thrill of driving when you throw it into a corner. However, with the launch of the new generation of Swift, some concerns have arisen. Equipped with the new Z-series 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, does it still retain its charm? Well, there’s no better way to find out than giving it a try on the track, and the answer is a resounding yes.

The new generation of Swift solves the driving aspect perfectly, providing the driver with tons of feedback so you always know exactly what the car is doing. This level of driver involvement is the magic ingredient that makes it all happen. The refined drivetrain is a joy to push the envelope, and amidst all the thrills, you’ll barely notice the reduction in cylinder count. What really enhances the overall experience, however, is the Swift’s finely tuned suspension and chassis. The car feels so effortless, so engaging, it actually encourages you to drive faster and let the handbrake crank for no reason but fun. I love it!

Also read: Top 5 best-selling car brands in October 2024: Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, etc.

But its brilliance isn’t limited to high-speed drives. The Swift adapts seamlessly to urban environments and delivers impressive fuel efficiency, further sweetening the deal. After using it as my long-term test unit for a while, I can vouch for it. I also like that its size is perfect for handling daily traffic. It’s easy to park, offers decent space for rear passengers and luggage, and – in my opinion at least – is a striking car, especially one in bright colours.

Even if you ignore the driving experience, the new Maruti Suzuki Swift meets almost every other need and leaves no room for complaints. Starting with mileage in everyday driving conditions, you can easily achieve around 20km/l, which is extremely impressive for any modern car that has to adhere to today’s strict regulations. Then, there’s the massive feature list. You get goodies like projector headlights with boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, nice alloy wheels, wireless charging, cruise control, rear AC vents and on the safety front 6 airbags, electronic stability control and slope protection Road Assist comes as standard. Let’s not forget, the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!

Also read: 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire launched in India, priced at Rs 6.79 lakh

It was one of the cars that everyone on the jury couldn’t resist driving lap after lap – a testament to its brilliance considering the impressive line-up of cars we had on the track. The new Swift embodies everything we know and love, and more. So it’s no surprise that it earned the title of “Best of 2024.”